Electric Eel Shock - Beat Me, 2006

reviewed by Judasfry

The sixth release from this somewhat obscure three-piece from Japan is just a fun rock album that deserves much more attention than it has gotten. Inspired by the likes of AC/DC, Black Sabbath,etc...produced by Grammy nominated Attie Bauw...this is just too good to miss!

I saw them open for The Bloodhound Gang on the tour for Hefty Fine (a great album in it's own right, but not why I'm writing this review)...was totally blown away by the genuine enthusiasm and energy they brought to the stage. While some of the schtick was common among most rock bands, they brought it to another level with the way they put it out on front street. From the sock on cock show of Tomoharu 'Gian' Ito the drummer, to the face smashing with the head stock (ouch!) of the guitar by Akihito 'Aki' Morimoto lead singer...these guys can rock hard! My favorite moment of the show was when 'Aki' proceeds to point out various members of the audience telling them they are bastards... "You are bastard, and you are bastard, and you know how I know this...cuz I am bastard!!!" Then the band erupted into what had to be one of the catchiest tunes I had heard that year "Bastard". The song contains multiple lines to former president George W Bush, that even a strict "red-stater" could find amusing. After their set I approached the merch table and picked up this album...they were kind enough to autograph it on the spot and thanked me profusely for buying a copy...class! And the album does not disappoint at all comparably.

Besides just rockin, 'Aki' is also a world class angler. So how could this "hippie" not love a band that shares his loves?

'Nuff said! Go out and get this ASAP!!!

[I just don't understand how one hippie could like anything good, and still smell so bad. Honestly, the smell of this guy is enough to curl your nose hairs, and then he has the gall to get all on my grill. If I didn't have column inches to fill, and actually enjoy listening to led zep 4 ALL THE TIME, I'd have fired this guy years ago.]

MGMT - Oracular Spectacular, 2008

reviewed by JW

www.whoismgmt.com

MGMT’s Oracular Spectacular, released early 2008, begins with an upbeat “college” anthem to get you in the mood to get you out of your crappy little mood.

"Hey, life can f****** suck. So what? Shake your hips a little and Fuggetaboutit."

As soon as I put on this record I imagine myself joining the crowd on the back cover and prancing around on the beach in crazy dresses and feathers in my hair while flinging homemade torches into the ocean. This album reminds me that it is OK to wear yourself out to remember hope. Hey! Be a Kid, run around a little, and quit over ANALyzing everything!

I’m not particularly interested in being trendy or “hip” which is one of the main reasons why I was so reluctant at first to buy this album. It is so damn popular from what the House of Records guy says. I especially felt guilty for buying the entire album for one particularly cool hip song. But this hipster song, “Electric Feel,” refused to leave my brain and I had to buy the album to “exercise” its demon. That Demon Song! The rest only gets better. After the first half of the album gets rid of your bad mood, the second side turns to a little more experimental with “4^th Dimensional Transition” and each track continues to push boundaries in lyrics and imagination. When the album ends, I’m ready to flip it over and do it again!

Remember how cool Modest Mouse was when they came out with their party anthems and singles? It is the same with MGMT. I have to remind myself, Don’t count out the band just because they’re cool! Hell! There’s nothing wrong with being cool. I don’t want to be a judgmental prig and miss out on all the fun. Yes, kids…remember that word? FUN!!! And we can all get there just by letting down the needle.

Oracular Spectacular debuts on the label giant Columbia / Sony. Should I feel guilty? Well, maybe this album is a little bit of a guilty pleasure, but then so is LOST. So Suck it!

[Although, this is an excellent review, JW will no longer be writing for us. Something about the editor and an overly amazing attitude... Regardless, Judasfry, despite his hippie smell and Led Zep sensibilities, is hereby promoted to head writer. However, Judas, it doesn't come with anything but hard work. Money is for editors, not writers. Also, take a shower.]

The Chico Hamilton Quintet, The Original Ellington Suite (with Eric Dolphy), 1958.

reviewed by MRAK!

Okay people, stand back. I'm about to unleash a review of Slayer's Reign in Blood... [which was his assignment] No I'm not. Though maybe I will at a later date. Seriously, come closer, you won't hear what I'm about to play from way back there.

The Chico Hamilton Quintet, The Original Ellington Suite (with Eric Dolphy), 1958.

Lineup:

Chico Hamilton: drums

Eric Dolphy: alto sax, Bb clarinet, flute

Nate Gershman: cello

Hal Gaylor: bass

John Pisano: guitar

Cello? Ellington? Dolphy? Yes. This little gem of a record was all but dust-binned before some nerd found it in an actual dusty bin. Or something. One of those stories. Guy looks at a can (or old test-pressing of an LP in this case) that says "Unreleased" or plate of shrimp and he puts it on, then shits his pants and soon finds that yes, it is what he thinks it is, the saxophone is, in fact, Eric Dolphy, and thank God he realized that because otherwise we wouldn't have this aching heartstring of a record. For those of you a little newer to the jazz canon, Eric Dolphy is a bona-fide jazz giant who later would kindly take people's heads off playing with Coltrane and also leading his own bands with his animalistic bass clarinet, flute, and special brand of shocking, atonal, but defiantly purposeful jazz. Can you tell he's favorite of mine? But here it's 1958 and he's just getting started, led by Chico Hamilton, who, because he sat behind a drum kit and not a piano, is one of the lesser known composer/arrangers for no good reason. The tracks on this record are all, as the title suggests, Ellington compositions, and each is now a jazz standard. Amazing then that each of these tracks manages to be my all-time favorite recording of that particular number. Not to mention they are played together as a true suite, many without a break, cohesively and easily drawn from one into the next. The arrangements are spacious and open, allowing ample time and room for each instrument to speak and for Dolphy to quietly predict the chances he would soon take as a band leader. And the recording itself is wonderful considering its age and the strange, less than ideal path it took to get here from 1958. This record embodies nostalgia and melancholy and parties and sex and awesome. Next time you fall in love you'll need a record for that first night. Something classy without any stupid words in it. This would be that.

Favorite track: In a Sentimental Mood.

[If you weren't so busy complaining, Mr. Judas, you could write like this. I like holding hands, but only with girls or Beatles. Also, MRAK!, stay out of my records, kiss-ass...]

Ween - Chocolate And Cheese, 1994

reviewed by Judasfry

After the ribbing I got from our editor-at-large, (and if you've ever met him, he is no petite sweetie, more like a junkyard rabid dog foaming and storming about, bitching about deadlines, and whatever else gets in his craw) for my "hippie" sensibilities, I figured I'd prove him RIGHT, and review a true homegrown style band that does it basically for the love of the music.

This album was their fourth full length release, and the first one that used an actual professional studio. Prior, they had been recording on four-tracks. The cover is definitely eye-candy, with a woman's torso barely covered, and wearing a WWE-like belt with the band's name and mascot/god/demon, Boognish as the buckle. They originally wanted to do a gay sailor theme, but the label execs thought that may not bode well in these BS PC times.

Dean (Michael "Mickey" Melchiondo, Jr) and Gene (Aaron Freeman) Ween show their versatility and mastery of the craft over and over again on this release. From the raucous opener "Take Me Away" to the closer "Don't Sh%$ Where You Eat" it's a combination of hilarious lyrics, and obvious nods to 70's pop/rock. Many of their tunes have appeared in various films and TV, most notably in the recent films Road Trip, and Dude, Where's My Car?

Around my humble abode, a favorite is the ballad (and I use this term for lack of a better one) "Baby Bitch", which much to my in-laws chagrin, my 3 year old daughter has memorized the words to after many a slow dance with daddy. I also greatly enjoy "Buenos Tardes Amigo," a tale of murder, false accusation and sibling rivalry on the level of Cain and Abel.

So, get out to your local independent music store and get this one secured into your collection, and enjoy!

[Although, I prefer to think of myself as a strict, but fair editor, it's now obvious that Judas's lack of professionalism isn't just in the office. Be that as it may, we still have to tell the people what to listen to and why. That, dear readers, is the MOTTO (actually, it is. Right there in the lobby. It's, really, the first thing you see...) of this fine organization. I strive, regardless of my closed and locked door policy, to defend the first amendment. And, MUCH TO MY CHAGRIN, Mr. Judas... I'm going to put this to press, you SOB... By the way. He... Is... Correct... itactuallyrules... There, I said it.]

Joanna Newsom - Ys, 2007

I don't often review stuff like this, but she has all of the bona fides she needs to prove to me she rocks. Steve Albini recorded her harp and voice, and if he likes it, it must be good, right? This music speaks for itself, so I'll shut up...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joanna_Newsom

Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago, 2008

Okay. I've listened to my share of Mope Rock, Shoe Gazer Indie, and even a little Christopher Cross ("Arthur" is rad...), but nothing prepared me for this amazing and sure to be classic recording. The man locked himself in a cabin in the middle of a snowy wood with a laptop and a guitar, and redefined for me what is possible if you have all the time in the world, and what appears to be a broken heart (Also, it seems you have to have a crap-ton of talent...).

The sentiment of this album locks itself down with, "Skinny Love," a marvel of production value and songwriting. I haven't been this happy about someone else's blues since Chris Isaak's "Forever Blue." If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.... (an homage to the late, great, Mr. Hughes. R.I.P. my friend...)

Spoon - A Series of Sneaks, 1998

Elektra dropped the ball with this one. Since its rerelease on Merge, sales have blow away original estimates. And, why? Because it's the BEST record of the nineties that no one ever heard of... Buy this record, and thank Britt Daniel yourself.

[a recycled post, i admit it...]

L7 - Bricks Are Heavy, 1992

Listen. I'm a reader. And thus I quote, "...but my favorite book is "Cash" by Johnny Cash." I was at the Eugene public and found this GEM among the large and impressive (and I do not kid about libraries or records, Dig?) CD collection. I checked it out. And was transported back to high school, sloughing, racing cars, um, holding hands with nice girls... THIS ALBUM JUST KICKS ASS!!! (I had a buddy who once said that chicks couldn't rock. I gave him this example, Joan Jett, Veruca Salt, The Pretenders, and many many many others. He still never got it...)

"Pretend We're Dead" was the single, and it hit pretty well. That was when GRUNGE (I hate that word. Why not smorg, or lig-up-nix-poop-poop. It's only rock n' roll, and I like it. Seriously.) was just hitting, and this thing made the top ten. And it's the "nice-girl" song on the record. The first track, "Wargasm," has a line, and this is the first line of the song, "Wargasm, Wargasm, 1, 2, 3, tie a yellow ribbon 'round the amputee..." This is a rock n' roll protest song at it's best (I think Country Joe, Barry McGuire, Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz," too, but "Wargasm" isn't very subtle). This also has a kick-ass Feminist statement about body image. ("Diet Pill") I think my Grandma bought this for me on easter (he he he). I only wish I could give you wonderful rock n' rollers more than five metal fingers. It's true, brick are heavy. Like this record!

The Mars Volta - Deloused In The Comatorium, 2003

Reviewed by Judasfry

Okay, kiddies, first a bit of musical history on what has to be one of the most incredible rock bands ever (that's right I said ever, and if you don't agree, your taste is all in your mouth!).

There once was a band called At The Drive-In from El Paso TX, and they were great pop-punk for the 90's. Unfortunately, they were kinda locked into repetitive style by the limits of marketing, members skills, style, etc. But the genius portion of that band (Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez) parted ways from ATDI and formed a project called De Facto (a free-form jazz, dub reggae like group). De Facto didn't blossom, and so they sought out some other like-minded musicians and formed what could only be called this generation's Led Zeppelin: THE MARS VOLTA.

De-Loused was their first full length release (an earlier 3 song EP called Tremulant was the actual first release of this seminal band). It is a concept album about a man (Cerpin Taxt) who attempts suicide, and while in a week-long coma experiences a multitude of other-worldly sights and sounds. Loosely based on an artist friend of the band Julio Venegas.

Completely unfettered by the limits of corporate rock and radio edits (although one track Televators was edited sadly for radio-play for the purposes of exposing the dopey masses of eleven-teen year olds), it takes us on a journey through the depths of the sorrows that led our hero to this decision, and the heights that may possibly be his redemption. Omar, being the maestro, beautifully opens with what can only be understood as the interpretation of the sound of a heart monitor and the chaos of an emergency room, Cedric, chiming in with a bit of an introduction to our hero's current state of mind and body,

"Clipside of the pinkeye flight

I'm not the percent you think survives

I need sanctuary in the pages of this book

Gestating with all the other rats

Nurse said that my skin will need a graft

I am of pockmarked shapes

The vermin you need to loathe..."

From there the pace quickens, maddeningly, and doesn't stop until we get to the perviously mentioned "ballad" of the album, Televators. They made a video for this that features a tarsier (a tiny primate known for committing suicide when in captivity), that eventually leaps to his death from a tree branch, a reference to the end that Cerpin takes himself.

Clocking in at an hour, it's a wild ride that shows the ferocious abilities of the incredible performers. I wish I could declare a favorite tune, but this is something that must be experienced as a whole to truly enjoy. Like dropping that hit of acid, you need to prepare for the whole ride. I've seen this band live twice, and they not only re-create the sounds of their albums perfectly, but go into extended jams that put them even further above most of what we are being force-fed by corporate owned radio, and major labels.

Imagery, and sound being perfectly blended is all I can say, so do yourself a favor and check this out ASAP if you haven't already.

'Nuff said!'

[The "Real" Music Nerd says:

Dude, you and Zep. They were not the only band. I was thinking Black Sabbath, Rush, and early Peter Gabriel, too. Not just Zep. You need more than just one old beat up Zep record, hippie.]

Shakira Featuring Danzig "Hips Don't Lie"

At first I thought I would keep this just for the "cool" kids, but here it is in all its hilarious...ness?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHv3qO_Y8kk&feature=fvw

Also, check out my "new and improved" Danzig post. It's as nerded out as I could get it. (take that original "MUSIC NERD"!!!)

Prince - His Entire Discography, 1978-2009

Honestly, I can't say that I have heard every one of his songs, but this dude totally freaking rocks! Everything I have by Prince (or as I like to call him, The artist formerly known as the artist formerly known as Prince) is rad. He has taken what he learned from his working class roots, and become a full-time musician. I have heard stories (I'm afraid most of this is probably conjecture) that he writes at least one song a day. I think that might explain his HUGE discography. Rock on, you Prince of Minneapolis, you king of rock and roll...

P.S. I love this statement. It explains why he changed his name:

"The first step I have taken towards the ultimate goal of emancipation from the chains that bind me to Warner Bros. was to change my name from Prince to the Love Symbol. Prince is the name that my mother gave me at birth. Warner Bros. took the name, trademarked it, and used it as the main marketing tool to promote all of the music that I wrote. The company owns the name Prince and all related music marketed under Prince. I became merely a pawn used to produce more money for Warner Bros... I was born Prince and did not want to adopt another conventional name. The only acceptable replacement for my name, and my identity, was the Love Symbol, a symbol with no pronunciation, that is a representation of me and what my music is about. This symbol is present in my work over the years; it is a concept that has evolved from my frustration; it is who I am. It is my name."

Also, here is the wiki:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_(musician)

The PMRC's Filthy Fifteen, 1985

As a chance to see what Tipper Gore thinks of rock and roll (which is actually an old blues euphemism for sex. I don't know if Tipper knows this, but sex and rock and roll were around long before she was. If she thought about it, she'd realize her folks probably made her to Lawrence Welk, or something equally banal..)

P.S. Forgive me, but I was unable to edit some of the content on this post. But, again, this is their list, not mine. Check out the wiki on this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parents_Music_Resource_Center

#	Artist	Song title	Lyrical content
1	Prince	"Darling Nikki"	Sex
2	Sheena Easton	"Sugar Walls"	Sex
3	Judas Priest	"Eat Me Alive"	Sex
4	Vanity	"Strap on Robbie Baby"	Sex
5	Mötley Crüe	"Bastard"	Violence
6	AC/DC	"Let Me Put My Love into You"	Sex
7	Twisted Sister	"We're Not Gonna Take It"	Violence
8	Madonna	"Dress You Up"	Sex
9	W.A.S.P.	"Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)"	Sex/Language
10	Def Leppard	"High 'n' Dry (Saturday Night)"	Drug and alcohol use
11	Mercyful Fate	"Into the Coven"	Occult
12	Black Sabbath	"Trashed"	Drug and alcohol use
13	Mary Jane Girls	"In My House"	Sex
14	Venom	"Possessed"	Occult
15	Cyndi Lauper	"She Bop"	Masturbation

Another note on the Krokus album...

Also, their song, "Russian Winter," is not the same as the band Odin's. As I had hoped. D'oh...

(Odin was in Penelope Spheeris' seminal work, "The Decline of Western Civilization, Part 2, the Metal Years." If you have not seen this, make time. It will show you where 80's metal came from.)

DIG.

Krokus - Headhunter, 1983

As I mentioned in my previous post, my friend, Smerek, purchased this album for me as a part of an 80's metal two pack. One, Shout At The Devil, and this. He told me he intended this gift as the good (CRUE) and the bad, this. I was totally in thrall at this gift, and still am, but I'm not sure I agree that this album is all that bad. It's 80's metal in its infancy. And though it is really not all that great, it's actually pretty decent (I quote some movie whose name I forget, "It's like pizza; even when it's bad, it's still pretty good). If you have the ability to find this thing on vinyl (but do not buy it, unless you really love Krokus) you must see the cover. It alone, I think, is what prompted Smerek to get it in the first place. Lots o' skulls, but in only the best of what the early 80's had to offer. Also, their song "Eat the Rich," is not, as I had hoped, the Motorhead classic. Oh, well... Gift horses and mouths and what not...

M. Ward - Hold Time, 2009

Reviewed by Musicophiliac.

M. Ward’s latest release, “Hold Time,” (2009) is my favorite of his records to date. With backing vocals by Zooey Deschenal on “”Never Had Nobody Like You” you get a taste of swinging fun. Singing with Dar Williams on “Oh Lonesome Me,” the heartbreak comes through clearly in a picture of a ratty motel room and a burning cigarette smoldering in the darkness, the only light in the place. The range of emotion captures your attention, keeps it, and thoroughly entertains your sensibilities. I love M. Ward’s musicality, and this is an excellent portrait of his skills as a musician and artist. On my rating scale: I pretty much have the whole thing memorized.

[The "Real" Music Nerd's rating...

I don't agree that this is his best, but it's pretty freaking good...]

Motley Crue - Shout at the Devil, 1983

Unnecessary umlauts aside, I think this album is pretty freaking cool. My friend, Smerek, got this for me at goodwill for a dollar, on vinyl (he also included a Krokus record, and I will review it later). I remember when I first heard of this album, and as a kid of eight, it scared me. On the inside of the gatefold (which is the raddest, by the way), you see four of the craziest rockers this side of hell. Track two is the single off this album, "Looks That Kill," and it still holds up as RNFR... Rock and F$%ing Roll. Dig? As a hilarious side note, the back cover ACTUALLY contains the following message, "Caution: This Record May Contain Backward Messages." I don't know if this was marketing trying to scare parents and entice kids, but, HOT DAMN, that's totally cool. And as my final thought, think about this: the PMRC (the parents music resource center) [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parents_Music_Resource_Center] has gone away, and yet, Motley Crue is on tour right now making millions. If only they knew what an awesome marketing tool their little stickers would be. (Also, this album contains a really crappy cover of "Helter Skelter," but who doesn't want to cover Beatles' songs?) By the way, despite everything that is wrong with this album, and there are many, many things, I just had to give them full marks for having the guts to do this record. KUDOS...

Danzig - Danzig, 1988

Listen. If you don't know who Glenn Danzig is, then get off my freakin' blog. For those of you in the know, THIS ALBUM FREAKIN' RULES!! This actually harkens back to the classic Misfits stuff Glenn put out all those years ago, but it grew up, got smart, and started kicking real ass. Just like the man himself. (I was told a story once by a friend about meeting Mr. Danzig. My friend said he was the nicest guy in the world, pleased to speak to a fan. That's class, suckers!) He put out more stuff, a couple pretty decent arias, and will get to live on in history as one bad ass singer/songwriter. He was for real, and so is his music. Dig that! (Although, I must admit. I docked a metal hand for "She Rides." Especially the video. Glenn, dude, you went too far with that one. New Jersey Rules!)